Author: Caelin Bragg

Our Kansas Board of Regents 403(b) retirement plan providers, TIAA and VOYA, are offering several webinar learning opportunities in August. See below for registration details on upcoming webinars:

TIAA:

10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18: “Take control of your financial life: 5 steps to save money and manage debt” – Learn how to manage money, uncover how to set goals, balance your budget and use debt wisely. With the know-how you need and a little determination, you can put yourself on the path to greater lifelong financial security.

In this webinar you’ll learn how to:

• Set your goals
• Know your spending
• Create a plan
• Manage credit and debt
• Practice healthy money habits

VOYA Financial:

9 a.m./1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25: “Debt management and budgeting strategies” – Learn how to understand and manage debt, build a realistic budget, and use practical strategies to reduce expenses and help improve your overall financial stability.

As Wichita expects some extreme heat this weekend, make sure you are informed of how to protect yourself and others as you enjoy events:

• Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned spaces when possible and wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Most buildings on campus are open during the workday for you to take a break in.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Check the UV index every day. The higher the UV index, the more you should do to protect yourself from the sun. When planning outdoor activities, follow the EPA’s UV index scale for safety recommendations.
• While outside, protect your skin by seeking shade, using a hat and sunglasses when outdoors and wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Stay informed by knowing the signs of heat-related illness and checking on friends, family members, neighbors and pets who may be at higher risk.

Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re spending time outside, take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion during the hottest parts of the day.

Join Student Outreach & Support and learn more about the free public transit you have available to you as a Shocker. Staff from SOS will guide you through the process of accessing and viewing routes and join you in taking your first ride. Head over to the second floor of the Rhatigan Student Center any time from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.

Stop by the Rhatigan Student Center from 3-5 p.m. today for the Syllabus Party for snacks and school supplies (while they last) and get organized. Be sure to bring your class syllabi and personal planners.

Finally, this Sunday, Aug. 16, WSU’s transition mentors will assist you in finding your classes this semester at the Classroom Crawl. Stop by the second floor of the Shocker Success Center starting at 1 p.m. and take a walk to all of your classes and find convenient parking and study spots.

Later today, first-year students can grab a free lunch with First-Year Programs in front of the Rhatigan Student Center from noon to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 14. Get acquainted with other first-year students and grab your official T-shirt to commemorate your induction into Shocker Nation. And if you’re looking for something to do tonight, head over to the CAC Theatre to watch “Project Hail Mary” at 8 p.m. with your fellow students.

This weekend, enjoy free lunch and take a dip in the Heskett Center swimming pool during RecFest from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 (find directions to the Heskett Center). And later that night, stop by the RSC parking garage for the NXT LVL Garage Party any time from 9 p.m. to midnight for food, games and prizes while basking in the sounds and sights of local performances.

That’s not everything happening this weekend either; check out WSU’s interactive campus map and select which days you want for even more events, and check out the ShockerSync calendar to see what events student organizations have scheduled for you to join.

The number one thing that will help you succeed in college is a network of friends and collaborators, and that’s why WSU started the Learning Communities, to help you connect with likeminded Shockers. Just stop by later today at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 on the second floor of the Rhatigan Student Center, find your Learning Community and make lifelong connections and friendships.

Additionally, the Panhellenic Council is hosting its annual Bid Day to help Shockers find a sorority and second home while at Wichita State. Stop by starting at 1 p.m. this Sunday, Aug. 16 in Charles Koch Arena and join in on the festivities (find directions to Charles Koch Arena).

And take a look at the hundreds of student organizations on campus for you to join, including hobby groups, religious communities, academic support and much more. Visit ShockerSync for all your student organization needs.

We’re just a few days away from the start of the fall semester, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to get involved on campus. Check out the many events happening this weekend below to help you get settled before we kick off the semester.

Leo Wetta, investment adviser representative with Voya Financial, will be available for in-person meetings at Wichita State Tuesday, Aug. 18 and Wednesday, Aug. 19. Faculty and staff can get one-on-one advising and review their Voya Financial accounts as part of their KBOR retirement plan, or new employees can receive assistance in enrolling in their KBOR plan.

If you are interested in meeting with Leo, you can schedule a time to meet and select the “Wichita State University – Rhatigan Student Center Room” location. Time slots are limited, so reserve a time soon. For questions, you can call Voya Financial Advisors at 316-686-2428.

Note: If your Voya servicing agent is Jonathan Cross or Stephen Cross Jr., you can reach them at 316-788-0788 or visit crossadvisorygroup.timetap.com to schedule an appointment.

President Rick Muma, Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost, and other university representatives hosted the 2026 Fall Address Aug. 12 in Miller Concert Hall at Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

Speakers discussed what’s coming up for the university and the campus community’s efforts that have led to tremendous progress on the university’s priorities:

• Helping families through access and affordability
• Supporting Kansas businesses with a talent pipeline that meets employer needs
• Increasing economic prosperity with higher education that benefits the Kansas economy

If you were unable to catch the Fall Address live, you can reach out to the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing at strategic.comm@wichita.edu to request the livestream recording or an audio-described version.

If you did not get a 2026 Fall Address tumbler, additional tumblers are available in the President’s Office in Morrison Hall. Ring the doorbell to receive assistance.

As Wichita expects extreme heat this week, make sure you are informed of how to protect yourself and others:

• Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned spaces when possible and wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Most buildings on campus are open during the workday for you to take a break in.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Check the UV index every day. The higher the UV index, the more you should do to protect yourself from the sun. When planning outdoor activities, follow the EPA’s UV index scale for safety recommendations.
• While outside, protect your skin by seeking shade, using a hat and sunglasses when outdoors and wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Stay informed by knowing the signs of heat-related illness and checking on friends, family members, neighbors and pets who may be at higher risk.

Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re spending time outside, take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion during the hottest parts of the day.

Stop by the Food Truck Plaza on campus to enjoy cuisines from local food truck vendors.

Wednesday:

• Desi Fusion: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Thursday:

• Desi Fusion: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Siam Pinto (CANCELED): 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Schedule is subject to change. Visit the Food Truck Plaza website for the most up-to-date information.